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Exclusive Experiences by Amadeus AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ALONG THE AND

A Product of Dr. W. Lüftner Reisen GmbH 1 “Beneath me flows the Rhine, and, like the stream of Time, it flows amid the

ruinsHENRY WADSWORTH of the LONGFELLOW Past."

2 Dear Enthusiasts and Food Lovers,

We are excited to introduce you to Exclusive Experiences by AMADEUS; a masterfully created portfolio of immersive and inspiring adventures. This experience has been curated for the traveler who not only enjoys wine and food, but wants to elevate their knowledge to the next level and explore the specific flavors of a region.

This Rhine cruise takes you into the heart of the and ’s wine regions and invites you to experience one of legacy itineraries. As a native of western Europe, I find it fascinating to watch -traveled wine lovers discover the of the Pfalz, Rhinegau and Moselle. I feel a strong sense of pride as old misconceptions are replaced by the thrill of new discoveries, for example, when a wine lover tastes a dry, high-quality for the first time. As enthusiasts travel along the soothing waters of the Rhine, past medieval castles speckled amid the stunning, hilly terrain, curiosity turns to amazement as steep carved into towering slopes come into view. Explore historical villages lined with cobblestone streets and stunning architecture during your travel from Basel to the Rhine Gorge where Lorelei the siren and her enchanting legend awaits your passage. Balance your thirst for history and wine with carefully selected tours and excursions created to immerse you in the region’s deeply-rooted culture.

Enjoy this program during a 7-night journey with AMADEUS as we cruise on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers from Switzerland, through and Germany, to the . Your five-star AMADEUS river ship showcases our 40-year tradition of innovation and excellence with a focus on modern elegance and luxurious comfort. From the glass-protected River , to our signature drop-down panorama window fronts in most cabins, it’s all about your onboard experience and ultimate comfort as we introduce you to our European heritage and hospitality.

We look forward to welcoming you onboard in the near future!

Marcus Leskovar, Executive Vice President AMADEUS River Cruises

3 An Introduction to the Wines Along the Rhine and the Moselle Rivers

8 DAYS BASEL— AMSTERDAM

Embark on a journey where every and turn brings new perspectives, inspires curiosity, and sparks amazement. Prepare yourself for discoveries in historic lands, and anticipate an awakening of the senses and a deepening of the soul. Picturesque landscapes speckled with charming villages and imposing castles captivate you as much as the vision of a Cathedral that has survived the assault of world wars. Realize what peace sounds like as the river flows beneath you; breathe in the earthy scent of Alpine forests surrounding you. Let your palate be your guide from one steep-sloped to another; marvel as you drink in the flavors of a land that embraces a robust wine region and an appreciation for culinary excellence. Immerse yourself in a part of the world that has offered centuries of masterpieces in art, architecture, culture, food and wine. Explore all of the authentic destinations on this spectacular along the Rhine and the Moselle, and enjoy the journey of a lifetime.

4 Your Itinerary

DAY/PORT ARR DEP PROGRAM

1 BASEL 17:00 Embarkation from 16:00 Welcome and Welcome Dinner in the evening

2 STRASBOURG 09:00 23:00 Experience Strasbourg and its culinary delights with in the morning Route to with wine tasting in the afternoon

3 07:00 12:00 Tour Along Romantic Route with lunch 14:00

4 MANNHEIM 01:00 RÜDESHEIM 07:00 12:00 Visit Baron Knyphausen, a VDP Or Choral chant at Eberbach Monastery with wine tasting in the morning 15:30 Overnight in Koblenz

5 KOBLENZ 06:00 13:30 18:00 The region with wine tasting at Schlagkamp Winery in the afternnoon

6 COLOGNE 07:00 14:30 Cologne walking tour & cathedral visit with Kölsch tasting in the morning

7 AMSTERDAM 08:00 Dutch windmills and in the morning Or Discover & cheese-making Rejoin the ship Captain‘s Gala Dinner

8 AMSTERDAM Disembarkation after breakfast

Excursions listed in blue are not included in the cruise price. Port times and itineraries are subject to change. Excursion packages must be booked in advance.

Ijsselmeer lake Amsterdam

North Sea R NETHERLANDS h GERMANY i n

e Cologne Koblenz y lle Va Cochem e in Rüdesheim h R le d d Mosellei M Speyer Mannheim

FRANCE Strasbourg

Rhine

Basel SWITZERLAND

5 Exclusive Experiences by Amadeus With the next tier of our carefully crafted itineraries and land excursions, you can immerse yourself in the world of Europe’s major cities, small villages and landscapes, and get to know the art, culture and people of the countries visited during your cruise. Our à la carte excursion packages are tailored to allow you to customize your experience.

On all our excursions you’ll be provided with a wireless AMADEUS listening device. The receiver can be worn around the neck or carried in a bag. The comfortable headphones allow you to listen to your experienced tour guide’s Unforgettable excursions curated exclusively for you explanations with the very best acoustic quality. Enjoy complete IMPORTANT INFORMATION freedom of movement, without • All excursions within this brochure must be booked in advance missing any of the interesting commentary. • Minimum participation for excursions: 30 people • The schedule of individual excursions can vary; this is partly due to the volume of traffic in the cities and the opening hours of facilities. • We recommend sturdy , comfortable clothes and a waterproof jacket for excursions. Umbrellas are available in your stateroom. • When exploring on your own, please remember to return to the vessel in time for its departure. If you arrive after the scheduled departure time you will need to travel to the next port of call at your own expense. The scheduled all aboard time will be listed in the daily program. Itineraries and prices are subject to change. An Introduction to the Wines and Flavors of the Rhine and the Moselle is to be paired with the Classical Rhine itinerary.

EXCURSION INFORMATION Some excursions involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes over uneven surfaces. The following coding system has been used to assist with identifying which excursions are appropriate for you. Please ask your cruise director for additional information as required. LEVEL 1: Minimum walking; excursion by bus with short photo stops. LEVEL 2: The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs. LEVEL 3: The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs. LEVEL 4: Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs. LEVEL 5: Considerable walk with longer distances. This may include uneven surfaces and some stairs.

6 An Introduction to the Wines Along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers

BASEL — AMSTERDAM Strasbourg

DAY 1 | SWITZERLAND: BASEL moist, west winds from descending upon growing in this region of France, focusing on Your journey begins in Basel, the third largest them, and provides a perfect shelter to keep the Alsace, which surrounds Strasbourg’s city city in Switzerland. After embarking, explore the wine region dry which allows Riesling, limits. your AMADEUS ship and meet the cruise the Alsace nobiity, to thrive. It is in Your last stop delivers you to the Cathedral director on board for a Welcome Cocktail these rolling hills where the alignment of of Notre-Dame and a guided tour of the celebration. Your floating hotel departs for the rows of vines are positioned to capture masterpiece of medieval architecture. The Strasbourg shortly before the Welcome every possible minute of sunlight. The result red sandstone extracted from the nearby Dinner on board. is a strong wine that is bone dry, producing Range was used to build the Grand including Riesling, Pinot Romanesque façade and gives it its distinct DAY 2 | FRANCE: STRASBOURG Gris, Gewürztraminer and . These color. In 2015, this beautiful structure EXPERIENCE STRASBOURG wines pair perfectly with the staples of the celebrated 1,000 years of existence. AND ITS CULINARY DELIGHTS region: cheese, pork and goose, and the Discover some of the Cathedral’s most WITH WINE TASTING epicurean delight, foie gras. amazing architectural features including its Located in the heart of the Alsace wine Your introduction to Strasbourg starts with a legendary astronomical clock and see for region of France, the city of Strasbourg has a short, panoramic coach ride to the heart of yourself why Strasbourg’s Cathedral is history dating back to the 5th century. the city. An experienced local guide leads considered to be an outstanding piece of art. Strasbourg, the capital of the Grand-Est you on an educational stroll through lovely Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs region of France, was designated as a streets lined with centuries-old buildings and Walking grade: ll UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, structures that hold within its walls stories highlighting its treasure trove of historical of time gone by. The culinary exploration ALSACE WINE ROUTE TO OBERNAI architecture, culture and heritage. The Petite begins with a private tasting at a restaurant WITH WINE TASTING District’s well-preserved streets are lined with specifically selected for their expertise at From Strasbourg, board a motor coach and half-timbered houses, some dating back 500 preparing Strasbourg specialties. The embark on a 25-kilometer journey filled with years, and picturesque canals scattered over restaurant’s head chef leads you, and your exceptional beauty, stunning landscapes and its charming landscape. taste buds, on a culinary adventure that picturesque villages as you travel to the While the Rhine provides one natural border, includes a variety of , Alsatian Tartes charming village of Obernai. Your passage the Vosges Mountains are the second and different varieties of foie gras, and the along the oldest wine route in France takes physical border that separates France from perfect wine pairing to compliment the you on a scenic road trip past medieval Germany. The combination of the river and dishes. Your journey would not be complete châteaux and houses; it offers the mountains create ideal conditions for the without a visit to a local vintner, or a trip to stunning views of the Vosges Mountains and Alsace wine region to thrive and the grapes the city’s famous , d’Hospice* a peaceful drive across the large rural plain to prosper. The famous mountain ranges are where 600 hundred years of wine-making that transforms to leafy vineyards. not only breathtakingly beautiful, they are history has taken place. The wine expert is The entire Alsace Wine Route winds its way useful in protecting the vineyards from the happy to share an extensive through 170 kilometers of winegrowing

* The Cave d’Hospice cellars are not open every day. Depending on your cruise schedule, alternate arrangements may be made in substitute. 7 villages with over 1,000 wine producers. The stretch of road to Obernai is known for its exceptional scenery where new discoveries are to be found at every twist and turn of the route. Wine growers famously open their vineyards and invite you in while they share their passion and their technique, and engage in meaningful conversations and share the history of their legacy. This land consists of full of high-quality soils that are the perfect home to seven grape varietals and four Grand Crus grapes. Along the Route, discover wines ranging from light, dry whites to strong, opulent reds. Before returning to Strasbourg, you’re invited to meet a distinguished Springtime almond trees blossom along the romantic who proudly welcomes you on his estate and conducts a tour of the cellar. Engage in a unique experience that introduces you to various wines of the region with local cheeses to accompany the tasting. Duration: approx. 4.5 hrs Walking grade: ll

DAY 3 | GERMANY: SPEYER · MANNHEIM TOUR ALONG THE ROMANTIC GERMAN WINE ROUTE WITH WINE TASTING & LUNCH Along the 85-kilometer wine route, vineyards open their gates and invite visitors to explore one of the world largest and most complex wine regions in all of Europe. In the spring, the scenic road travels through lanes of pink blossoming almond trees; the summer The Knyphausen Winery (below), the Knyphausen Family (above)

8 8 A wine tasting at Eberbach Monastery

Sprawling and sloped vineyards along the Moselle River provides colorful streets lined with and embark on a cellar tour while sampling made up of 75% Riesling, 15% ; vibrant fruit, including kiwi, figs and several different local sparkling wines. On the remaining 10% is the autochthonous lemons, while mighty oleander bushes the way out of town, we’ll stop at the world’s grape variety that includes the seven flourish. Autumn brings rows and rows of largest wine barrel for a photo before traditional Rhinegau grape varietals that large leafy vines, heavy with grapes ready continuing on to the small village of make up the historical wine set, including: for . Weisenheim for a seasonal three-course Gelber Orleans, Weisser Heunisch, Ebling Depart your ship for a full day of lunch and visit a local winery for a tasting , Riesling, Red Riesling, and discovery in the the , also lead by the winemaker himself. On your Gewürztraminer. The winery is the first known as the Pfalz Wine Region. This area is return to the ship, enjoy more memorable producer in the Rhinegau to plant vines the world’s predominant Riesling producer sights of the Route’s stunning countryside. under the idea that grape varieties preferring with approximately 5,000 hectares devoted Duration: approx. 7 hrs different climates are planted together to to the grape; the final product tends to be Walking grade: lll avoid the risk of failing due to weather full-bodied and heavy in bouquet. The area is conditions and pests. The number "7" was also the largest region in all of DAY 4 | RÜDESHEIM chosen specifically for the luck attached to Germany, stemming mainly from the Cruise date and/or group coordinator it, as well as the historical mentions of these grape which is complex in flavor determines choice of excursions: grapes in old world books. and deep in color. The Pfalz runs from the VISIT BARON KNYPHAUSEN, Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a glass Alsace to the to the Haardt A VDP WINERY of produced at the vineyard. Mountains, which are part of the Vosges This memorable wine experience begins Your experienced guide walks you through Range, to Bockenheim in the north. with a 30-minute scenic drive to the heart of the history as you tour the property, and the The region’s terraced south-facing slopes the Rhinegau, and the winery of Baron wine expert, perhaps even a member of the include a combination of loam (a soil Knyphausen near the charming villages of Baron’s family, introduces you to a tasting of combination that includes sand, silt, and clay) and Eberbach. The Draiser Hof has three wines and a traditional Winzervesper with a sandstone and marl mixture that is been in the Baron Knyphausen family since with various local snacks, cheeses, breads responsible for the dominating mineral flavor 1818, but the Abbey has a long and and dips to make the day’s culinary excursion in the grapes. Varietals of this region include: important history dating back to the 12th complete until you re-board your AMADEUS Riesling, Dornfelder, Pinot Noir century, around the year 1141 A.D., when the ship. (Spätburgunder), Cistercian Monks first arrived. Having Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs (Grauburgunder), , Pinot travelled from , they carried the Walking grade: ll Blanc (Weißburgunder), and precious vines of their homeland, Pinot Noir. . The monks, experienced in hydraulic CHORAL CHANT AT EBERBACH The scenic drive first brings you to the heart engineering, drained the existing marshy MONASTERY WITH WINE TASTING of the Pfalz prime vineyards, Bad Dürkheim. land along the banks of the Rhine to build Porta Patet, Cor Magis This pretty little spa town earned the title Bad the monastery’s first farmstead and Translation: Our door stands open, but the (spa) in 1904 for the salty thermal springs it successfully operated the vineyard until the heart even more so. relies on, not only for the curing qualities it Knyphausen family acquired it. −The motto of the Cistercian Monks of offers for those who drink and bathe in them, The grapes are grown under the strict VDP Eberbach Monastery but for the detoxifying grape juice cure guidelines and the winery is considered a This memorable wine experience begins with known as Traubenker. Visit its famous castle quality producer. Currently, the vineyard is a 30-minute scenic coach ride to the 9 9 Eberbach Monastery

charming village of Eltville, located in the the first successful wine to be exported from Enjoy free time to visit the wine store and heart of Germany’s famous wine region the Region. Despite the damage explore the grounds before boarding your known as the Rheingau. The magnificence caused by the many wars over the years, the coach to return to the ship. of this 12th century Romanesque monastery, monks continued to flourish and in 1730 they Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs and the wonder of the vineyards and forests built a vaulted cellar to protect their treasure Walking grade: ll surrounding it, awakens your senses. Breathe where to this very day some of the world’s in the aromatic vineyards and lush grounds most valuable wines are still protectively DAY 5 | KOBLENZ · COCHEM surrounding the monastery. And taste the held. Monastery life ended in 1803, but the THE MOSELLE WINE REGION WITH WINE noble-rich wines that have guaranteed the tradition of wine making lived on and in TASTING AT SCHLAGKAMP WINERY monks success for many, many centuries. 1998, the Foundation open Even with your own eyes, it’s hard to believe History was made at Eberbach when Abbot the doors to allow tours and wine tastings. the conditions in which the wines of the , along with the With 200 hectares of vineyards producing Moselle are grown. Throughout the fifth archbishop of Clairvaux, travelled from wine, it is the largest in all of Germany, and largest wine growing region in Germany, a Burgundy to find a new location for their Pinot Noir, the trademark of the Monastery’s majority of the vineyards are famously set order; with them they carried the precious success, is grown on 32 hectares. upon steep, terraced hillsides with a gradient vines of their homeland, Pinot Noir. These The ambience of the past comes alive as you slope between 30- and 70-degrees. The monks are responsible for the in tour the Monastery. Following in the working conditions are extremely difficult the Rheingau, therefore making the footsteps of the Eberbach Monks, your and the work is labor-intensive and monastery as important to Germany’s guided stroll through the monastery allows strenuous. The steepness of these inclines history as it is to Europe’s culture. A year you to explore the Hospitalkeller, the means that the expert workers fight gravity later, in 1136 A.D., the monastery was built. historical Cabinetkeller, the elegant High during most hours of their day as almost all The Monks of the Cistercian’s goals for the Gothic Chapter Hall, the expressive, grapes must be tended to and must be new order was to live by their own labor, cross-vaulted dormitory, the festive picked by hand. The result of their efforts agriculture and livestock. It was a strict, refectory and the Romanesque monastery produces some of the finest and most disciplined life that relied on the success basilica. Experience the traditional choral expensive wines in Germany. Riesling of the wines they produced to guarantee a chant offered by the monks over the ages thrives in these conditions and is the future. Their hard work was realized when and enjoy a tasting of six different wines dominate grape along the Moselle River and the vines took root and Burgundy became produced from the Eberbach vineyards. parts of the valley, which is one of the 10 Cologne

The Schlagkamp Winery Schlagkamp Wine warmest climates in Germany. During the 20-minute journey past vineyards, quaint designating it as an important Roman day, the steep, slopes store the sun’s villages and a countryside dotted with Empire trade and production center north of heat, and then release it at night. The roots medieval castles until you arrive at the the Alps. penetrate deep, seeking water and minerals. Schlagkamp Winery. The Schlagkamp family made the town an Riesling is often planted on the south and has proudly made their mark on the region archbishopric in 785 A.D. while it was under south-west facing part of the slopes where for over 400 years and eleven generations, Franconian Rule, growing the population the river acts as a to reflect light on perfecting the art of viticulture in this and increasing the power, economic the vines. The grapes along the Moselle challenging terrain. A member of the family standing and influence in the city until the region are a late-maturing, noble white will introduce you to three different wines as . Many believe that it was the variety with a distinctive straw color. And, you explore the vineyards, learn the art of discovery of America that degraded the while German wines are mistakenly believed planting the vines, and discover the family’s town’s political and economic position. It to be sweet, the truth is that most growers of long-standing role in this fascinating part of wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that Riesling make their wines bone-dry to dry. Germany’s wine history. At the conclusion of another wave of change revived Cologne While Riesling, the queen of grapes, is the excursion, you will journey another and, in 1881, the great walls that surrounded primarily grown throughout the vineyards, scenic route and return to the ship. the city were finally torn down to make room some of the land in the sub-regions are Duration: approx. 2.5 hrs for expansion. dedicated to Ebling, Rivaner, Grauburgunder Walking grade: lll War impacted the town on many fronts; over (Pinot Gris), Weißburgunder () 90 percent of the inner city was destroyed and even Chardonnay vines. Viticulturists DAY 6 | COLOGNE and the population had decreased to less are required to have a significant amount of COLOGNE WALKING TOUR & CATHEDRAL than 40,000 inhabitants by the end of WWII. patience to do their job when tending to the VISIT WITH KÖLSCH TASTING The rebuilding process began in 1947, and grapes of the Moselle region because new Cologne has a 2000-year history as one of it never stopped. Today, Cologne is the plants don’t usually produce high-quality Germany’s oldest, large cities. Originally fourth-largest German city and a prominent grapes for ten or more years after planting. founded by the Romans in 50 A.D., pioneers travel destination. Millions of people from all The white wines are known to age first named the village,Colonia . Its location over the world flock to the city to magnificently. on the Rhine, one of the World’s great rivers, experience its annual trade fairs, its thriving A luxury motor coach transports you from drove the imperial governors of Rome to Christmas Markets, its culinary excellence, the shores of the Moselle River on a select the city as their residence, and the chance to explore ancient, 1111 . With your free time, you may wish to sleeves and prepare to get to work as you explore Cologne on your own, or take some discover the art of making your own cheese. time to relax on the ship’s Sun Deck while Afterward, enjoy a tasting of several different soaking in the stunning skyline. varieties considered to be specialties of Duration: approx. 3 hrs Beemster. On your return to Amsterdam and Walking grade: ll the ship, travel through the countryside with new perspective and DAY 7 | AMSTERDAM appreciation for the Dutch and their Cruise date and/or group coordinator achievements. determines choice of excursions: Duration: approx. 4.5 hrs DUTCH WINDMILLS AND CHEESE Walking grade: lll A short drive delivers you out of Amsterdam Amsterdam and away from the noise and hub-bub of an DISCOVER DUTCH WINE & CHEESE-MAKING energetic city, its people and its visitors. The Dutch wine farmers planted the first cobblestone streets and most further north you go, fields of green cover contemporary vineyards during the 1970’s, significantly, the Cologne Cathedral. the landscape, and a web of canal systems but cool and damp conditions made their The Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece are woven across the land. This system is efforts to produce quality wines that that broke ground in 1248 A.D., and for not random, and it certainly is not ordinary. compete with their German neighbor fell over seven centuries successive artists and Over 400 years ago, this land was a part of flat. The effects of climate change over the builders labored to create an architectural the Lake of De Beemster, an inland sea that past decade has improved in wonder, finally finishing in 1880. During made the use of the land unmanageable The Netherlands, making it more viable your walking tour of Cologne, discover the and unusable. Farmers wanted a way to and now, more than ever, Dutch wines have amazing history of the Cathedral, a UNESCO control the waters and use them for their become desirable. While demand for Dutch World Heritage Site. Your expert guide leads benefit. The son of a Dutch engineer found a wine is high, the is still small. In 2020, you through its 800-year construction, both way to reclaim the fertile land and The Netherlands registered only about 100 inside and out, and gives a brief history eventually divided it into plots where wine farmers who have evolved their of the priceless artwork and magnificent farmers farmed and rich merchants built process to create notable, and award- stained glass throughout the interior. Stand spectacular mansions. Today, the area is winning . Grapes that thrive are the awestruck before the twin spires, towering called Schermer Polder and is considered noble varieties associated with the Alsace over the town at a soaring 157.22 meters a creative masterpiece resulting from the and Germany and include Riesling, Pinot high. Dutch Golden Age, and a UNESCO World Gris, Müller-Thurgau and Auxerrois, while Your excursion also includes a visit to Heritage Site. Forty-three working windmills traditional cold-hearty hybrid varieties such Cologne’s Old Town, where you experience still stand like giant guardians on watch over as and continue to be grown. the various markets including the Heumarkt, the fields. The ride through the breathtaking Meet your guides as you board your motor a center for trade for over 150 years, the Fish North Holland countryside brings you to a coach and embark on an enlightening Market and Alter Market. Explore St. Martin cheese farm in the heart of Beemster. As you journey through the Dutch and Church, the Rhine Promenade, Salzgasse, arrive, consider your surroundings: the land, countryside. See for yourself how the once the Buttermark, Heinzelmännchen Fountain, the water, the animals; these are all boggy fields have been transformed by and the Hohenzollern Bridge. On your final important components in making the Golden Age expertise into the land- stop before returning to the ship, enjoy a creamy Dutch cheese so delicious. drainage marvel that is now a mainstream sample of traditional Kölsch at a local After a brief tour of the farm, roll up your sight in farms across North Holland. Your official welcome at the vineyard begins with a glass of wine before the winegrower, or wine farmer as the Dutch refer to them, takes you for a tour. After visiting the vineyard, enjoy some of their wines paired with some local Dutch cheese. It is an excellent opportunity to learn how a region adapts to its climate and environment to create quality wine. As you travel back to Amsterdam, enjoy the sights of the North Holland countryside lined with polders and dotted with windmills. Duration: approx. 4.5 hrs Walking grade: lll

DAY 10 | AMSTERDAM After breakfast, the AMADEUS crew bids you farewell and wishes you a safe journey home. We hope to welcome you again soon! 1212 Exclusive Experiences by Amadeus

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WINES ALONG THE RHINE AND MOSELLE RIVERS 8 DAYS BASEL — AMSTERDAM

Excursions and Excursion Packages prices* per person in USD

CRUISE BASEL — AMSTERDAM (DUTCH WINDMILLS & CHEESE OPTION) A B Experience Strasbourg and its culinary delights with wine tasting $145 Alsace Wine Route to Obernai with wine tasting $134 Tour along the Romantic German Wine Route with wine tasting & lunch $199 Visit Baron Knyphausen, A VDP Quality winery with wine tasting** $140 OR Choral Chant at Eberbach Monastery with wine tasting** $140 Schlagkamp Winery and wine tasting $70 Cologne walking tour & cathedral visit with Kölsch tasting $55 Dutch Windmills and Cheese-making $115 Total per excursion package 514 858

CRUISE BASEL — AMSTERDAM (DISCOVER WINE & CHEESE-MAKING OPTION) A B Experience Strasbourg and its culinary delights with wine tasting $145 Alsace Wine Route to Obernai with wine tasting $134 Tour along the Romantic German Wine Route with wine tasting & lunch $199 Visit Baron Knyphausen, A VDP Quality winery with wine tasting** $140 OR Choral Chant at Eberbach Monastery with wine tasting** $140 Schlagkamp Winery and wine tasting $70 Cologne walking tour & cathedral visit with Kölsch tasting $55 Discover Dutch Wine & Cheese-making $72 Total per excursion package 471 815

Any format, itinerary or excursions may be customized upon request. *Please note the excursion and excursion package pricing is purchased in addition to the regular Classical Rhine river cruise fare. ** Excursions operate at the same time; only one may be booked. The Moselle River at Dawn

12 13 Reference for French and German Wines

UNDERSTANDING THE FRENCH – QUALITY DESIGNATIONS

Wines whose geographical origins, makeup, and production methods are precisely regulated – generally the best and certainly the most traditional. This classification was born in the 1920’s. The purpose is to restrict the use of a geographical name to wines made in a specialized area. It stipulates the following: Appellation d’Origine • Which grapes varieties can be grown in a specified area Controlee • Maximum crop per hectare (a yield) • Minimum grape ripeness • Determines how the vines are grown and how the wines are made • It determines the ladder of quality

VDQS AC in Waiting

A “country wine”; often from areas larger than AC Zones, in which non-traditional varieties and higher yields are allowed.

Vin de Table Basic wine; no geographical origin, grape variety or may be state on the label

Superieur Usually means the wine is slightly higher in

CRU CLASSIFICATIONS FOR

Cru Literally means “Growth”, a specified superior spot of land

Cru Classe A Cru that has been distinguished by an important classification

Grand Cru Literally means “Great Growth”; only in Burgundy does it refer to the finest vineyards

All labels must mention: • The vineyard name (ex: Altenberg) Alsace Grand • The grape variety (ex: Riesling) Cru label • The Vintage (ex: 2006) • The status of AOC Alsace Grand Cru

A local administration unit in the French Republic. Similar to a township or municipality. May be as small as a few Commune (FR) hectares or as large as Paris. France has approximately 36,000 communes.

UNDERSTANDING THE GERMAN WINE LABEL – VDP (VERBAND DEUTSCHER PRÄDIKATSWEINGÜTER)

In recent years German wine labels have become organized, clear and helpful with the following information:

Producer The name of the producer or estate (ex: Hans Winzer)

Vintage The year the grapes were harvested

Grape Variety The single most influential factor determining the wine’s taste (ex: Riesling)

Ripeness There are four quality categories (See below) Categories

Level of Dryness The taste, style or level of dryness depends on the cellar master and is determined in the cellar by the winemaker

Village and The village where the vineyard is located is identified by the -er suffix, followed by the vineyard, often ending in Vineyard -berg (refers to mountain or slope)

Appellation One of Germany’s 13 official wine-growing regions:, Mittelrhein, , Rheingau, , Pfalz, Rheinhessen, of Origin Franken, Hessische Bergstrasse, Württemberg, , -Unstrut, Sachsen

• Erzeugerabfüllung means “Estate bottled” – assures that the grapes are grown on the estate, and those growers produced the wine Method Wine • Gutsabfüllung – term used by estates and growers that grow, produce and bottle their own wine; they also is Bottled guarantee the quality of the wine • Abfüller - the term used when the bottlers or shipper assume responsibility of the wine’s quality

14 UNDERSTANDING THE GERMAN WINE LABEL – VDP (VERBAND DEUTSCHER PRÄDIKATSWEINGÜTER)

Indicates the minimum standards have been met, determined by regional organizations or government quality Quality Category control boards that ensures key elements of German wine laws are followed. Producers are required by German law to declare the wine’s quality category on the label. (See below)

AP Number The quality control number from the testing center or review board. Considered a “stamp of approval”.

GERMAN CLASSIFICATION – VDP (VERBAND DEUTSCHER PRÄDIKATSWEINGUTER)

In recent years German wine labels have become organized, clear and helpful to determine four quality categories:

Translated to: German Wine. A with grapes grown exclusively in Germany. Total alcohol content be- Deutscher Wein tween 8.5% and 15% by volume and acidity of at least 3.5% is required.

Deutscher Wine with a protected geographical indication. A minimum of 85% of the grapes for a Landwein must originate in Landwein the Landwein region named on the label.

Also listed on labels as QbA. 100% of the grapes must originate from one wine region district and that one district Qualitätswein must be declared on the label. Most common German wine sold to the US market.

Abbreviated on labels as QmP. Indicates a superior quality of wine enriched with special attributes. Terms include: Prädikatswein “Gutswein”, “Ortswein”, “Erste Lage”, et

COMMONLY USED WORDS FOR GERMAN WINES

Clos A self-contained Vineyard often within another (ex: Domaine Weinbach’s des Capucins)

Grape Variety The single most influential factor determining the wine’s taste (ex: Riesling)

Halbtrocken Half-dry, or Off-dry wines usually balanced by high acidity

Classified as a dry German wine; the level dryness is one of the distinctions found on the German Wine Label. The level of dryness is determined by the winemaker.

Weingut Wine estate

Viticulture The study of grape cultivation and grape production

Reference: The World Atlas of Wine, Sixth Edition 2007; Wine of Germany website: www.winetourism.com

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Amadeus River Cruises 7035 Veterans Boulevard, Suite B Burr Ridge, IL 60527 Toll Free: 1-844-462-6727 | Local: 1-303-339-0660 | Fax: 1-630-861-0974 E-Mail: [email protected] · Website: www.amadeus-rivercruises.com

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